Good morning to you – and happy Saturday!
I am sat on my front patio, drinking a nice cup of coffee, overlooking some beautiful, lush maple trees. This morning has been marvellous so far – my children are away on a sleepover, my bible and new highlighter are in hand (it’s the little things that matter), and I just got a video of a bull moose going through my backyard!
Yes, this morning I have much to be thankful for – I am alive and breathing. Just the other day, I was taking a break from correcting exams, and I went down a rabbit hole of looking at obituaries.
“Gee, that’s morbid…”
Yes, yes it is.
But I was curious about someone I knew slightly, that had passed away. Well, as I read and scrolled through the obituaries, I was shocked to see that half of the people on the list were my age – 30’s. The signs of addictions, “sudden passings” and then those dying of sickness- it was very sobering and alarming at the same time.
So this morning, I have plenty to be thankful of…and I bet you do as well. Sure, you and I have our issues, hardships, and challenges – maybe yours are significantly more than mine. Regardless of our situations though, we both have one thing in common (even though I personally may not know you) – there is a God who loves us.
You may not care for knowing God, but I can assure you, He already knows and cares about you…after all, you’re reading this and you’re alive! (That’s not to say that those who passed on no longer had a purpose; rather the cruel circumstances of this natural, temporary body, or the circumstances out of our control still happen, often leaving us scratching our heads asking “Why?”)
If you do qualify in that department, currently alive that is, then that means God still has a plan for you. He personally created you and you have a purpose – and that, my friend is an encouraging thought.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jer.29.11.NLT
There are far too many people taking their own lives, drowning themselves in substances, and suffering under the weight of depression, due to a primary question – “whats the point?”
To clarify, not every person who struggles in those areas has that question – as some experienced trauma, abuse, or many other troubling factors, that they may use substances to “dull” the pain.
With that said though, ALL people have this promise from the God of the Bible
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.11.28-30.NLT
So this morning, you and I have a choice – we can echo King David’s words,
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalms 118:24 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.118.24.NLT
Or we can stay in the rut of our circumstances – not exactly the best way of dealing with our situations.
There is a better way though – start reading the Bible.
Start in the gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Some people say that “That Jesus stuff is not for me,” or “I don’t need that religious stuff.”
You’d be surprised what reading the Bible can do for you. I am not suggesting a radical change in your daily life, rather just crack open the Bible and have a read. Let’s look at my little checklist:
Mental health encouraging scriptures? Check.
Practical guidance for parents raising children? Check.
Encouraging words for those struggling with sickness? Check.
Practical, common sense advice from Jesus? Check.
And most of all – reading the very words from the God who created you and the same God who offers you eternal life, through His Son Jesus.
Skip the 7 Steps for Wellbeing book on Amazon, and read a free book with all those tips in it for free on the Bible App by Youversion.
Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: http://www.bible.com
Remember! We have a lot to be thankful for! Take a moment today to tell your loved ones you are thankful for them, and most of all – thank God for what you have as a well!
Christian
The Eason Clan 